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Friday, October 16, 2015 – Morning: The fourth day of Athi Rudra Maha Yagna began with Panchamrutha Abhisheka to the Hiranyagarbha Linga, followed by Rudra Parayana and Rudra Abhisheka at the Yagna Shaala. Simultaneously, a Chandika Homa and an elaborate Durga Pujo, by priests from West Bengal were in progress at the Sri Sathya Sai Hrudaya Mandiram. Swami spent about an hour watching the Durga Pujo and later the Purnahuthi of Chandika Homa.

Chandika Homa in progress

The serene faces of the devotees were testimony of the effect of the positive vibrations emanating from the Homa and Pujo. Sri Badri Narayanan, an alumnus from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning gave insights into the Chandika Homa and the significance of Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Chandi in West Bengal. In the story he narrated how the Devi killed Madhu and Kaidabha, killed Mahishasura as Lakshmi, and killed Shumbha and Nishumbha as Saraswathi.

Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati standing in full splendor

Sri Badri stressed, “She ALONE exists. Everything else is just a manifestation of Her Leela. The feeling of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ is an illusion and she is responsible for creating this as well, but no one realizes it. Everything in this Universe is the Dance of the Shakthi.”

Sri Badri Narayanan expounding on the Shakti principle

Rudra Homa and Sai Gayatri Homa were performed with full gusto at the Yagna Shaala. Ashtavadhana Seva was also offered to the Lord by the priests and students. The underlying meaning of Ashtavadhana Seva is to recognize God as the embodiment of knowledge. One has to recognize this fact by concentrating one’s mind on the eight types of knowledge. Those who witness this Seva will be granted this knowledge as well as the knowledge of the Para Brahma.

Panoramic view of the Yaaga Shaala

Maha Mangalarathi to the Hiranyagarbha Lingam and Bhagawan brought to close the morning session. The devotees partook the lunch Prasadam. Tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner is being served to all the devotees attending the Yagna every single day. Sevadals are tirelessly working day and night to make this event organised by Bhagawan a grand success!